Dog trainer calls for education

SAFETY UNDERLINED: Kelly Jordan, Wanganui dog-safety trainer, with Westmere School students and helpers Peaches (left) and Mr Beefy.PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY 030815WCBRCWES01

A Wanganui educator says training for dog owners and children is the key component to reducing the shocking number of injuries caused by canine attacks.

Kelly Jordan said a story that aired on the TVNZ Sunday programme has highlighted the issue and prompted a lot of discussion.

"It is so important to teach our children about keeping safe around dogs.

"It starts as being a responsible dog owner, never leaving children alone with our dogs, and teaching children to respect dogs.

"You wouldn't leave your child with a loaded gun, so why leave it alone with even a family dog that may one day just decide it's had enough?"

Ms Jordan worked as an animal-control officer for the Wanganui District Council for 12 years and never received a dog bite.

When she resigned three years ago, she decided to start her own dog-safety education programme, Kelsview. It is funded by Mars Petcare.

"I was a very hands-on animal-control officer. I wanted to share my knowledge and experience, and I wanted to help protect children, who are the highest number of dog-bite victims."

According to ACC statistics, there were 237 injuries involving dogs in the region last year and 40 of them involved children under 10.

Suzanne Muth of ACC said most dog attacks were minor, requiring a visit to the GP, and the most common injuries were lacerations and soft-tissue damage. ACC did not have a category for dog-attack claims, she said.

Ms Jordan said most schools were happy to have her deliver dog-safety programmes, which she presented with her helpers, bulldogs Peaches and Mr Beefy.

"I'm disappointed that some schools have said they are too busy with their curriculum.

"My presentations last for just an hour - they don't cost the school anything and they can prevent children from being bitten," she said.